The Incredible Value of Social Media

by Skip Cohen

It's Sunday when I consistently go off track, miles away from marketing topics. But as I sat down to write this morning, it became harder and harder not to rant about the state of America, especially with a 60 million dollar waste of money for a cage fight on the front lawn of the White House!

However, as I scrolled through Facebook, trying to find something positive to write about, my good buddy, Terry Clark, posted a thank-you to the people who helped make his first gallery showing in many years possible. The smile on my face was so big that you'd think it was my showing! I'm so proud of Terry sharing his work!

Well, I kept scrolling when I realized how valuable social media has become in my life and in keeping in touch with people I care about.   As I scrolled through my notifications:

Brook Todd posted a shot of him and Alissa...Michael Jordan posted a shot of Clay Blackmore with a group of photographers at CSA2026...Allison Cotton posted a shot...Facebook reminded me that 15 years ago I shared a shot of Brent Watkins trying to beat the self-timer in a portrait of the Sylvart Studio staff when Jerry and Melissa Ghionis joined us for a program in Ohio...Al Gordon and Mercury Megaloudis both posted anniversary shots... Bruce Hudson announced his new book and an educational opportunity...Rick Sammon played with A.I...Carly Sullens posted a piece about her upcoming program in Michigan...and Duncan MacNab's daughter, Dori, posted a birthday piece about her sister, Dani. (Duncan, one of my very best buds, passed away almost 4 years ago...but being in touch with his family brings back so many memories.)

Here's my point... while most of us have a love-hate relationship with Facebook, it's become the mortar that holds many friendships together. I'm able to stay in touch with so many people I care about, thanks to social media. Over the years, I've been accused of being the industry's perpetual optimist and cheerleader. Well, with 56+ years in imaging, and my life being touched by so many amazing people, how could I be anything but optimistic?

Wishing everybody a day ahead that gives you time to appreciate all the special people in your life. Go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about with the people you love the most. And to my pal Terry Clark...one of these days we're going to have the cigar we've spent far too many years talking about!

Happy Sunday, everybody!